I recently made presentations at all three of the Legislative Delegation Hearings in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties. The goal of my presentations was to share with our elected legislative members (House of Representatives and Senators) just how many of our seniors and Alzheimer’s families contribute to the financial prosperity of Florida.
Some of the highlights of my presentation are:
- $3.9 billion is mailed monthly to those who receive Social Security. When you include federal or civil pensions, the amount jumps to $5 billion monthly.
- Florida seniors contribute $1 billion annually to Florida’s charities.
- Former Governor Jeb Bush realized how important this population was to Florida’s prosperity. He actively recruited throughout the nation that more retirees consider moving to our state.
- Aging increase the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders.
- Alzheimer’s families will cope with the disease for 3 to 20 years with the average length of time being 8 to 10.
- 63% of Alzheimer’s caregivers are at risk of dying before any other caregiver caring for someone with a fatal disease.
- Alzheimer’s disease does not need to be a pre-requisite for institutionalization, but that alternative care options should be available to our Alzheimer’s families. We want to keep loved ones at home for as long as possible.
Alzheimer’s Community Care is not a government agency.
Alzheimer’s Community Care is a local, private not-for-profit organization whose budget is comprised of 37% government funding and 63% private donations.
Alzheimer’s Community Care provides wrap-around specialized dementia specific services and resources for Alzheimer’s families. We save the state millions of dollars annually.
Alzheimer’s Community Care is community based, resourceful, and resilient when challenges are presented. We are there when other social service agencies discharge patients because “they cannot benefit from their programs.” These discharges place a large burden on the family.
That is not acceptable.
Alzheimer’s Community Care’s dementia specific specialization that will inherently make the state a more prudent purchaser of services, ensure fiscal predictability, and sound financial management outcomes that are humane and dignified for those who justly deserve these considerations.
Please join me this year in advocating for statewide reform so that the right care can be available for all of our loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia disorders.
